As the economy continues its downward spiral, more citizens are turning to local bazaars, roadside stalls, and farmer’s markets to barter or buy what they can. Once seasonal luxuries, these makeshift trade hubs have become year-round fixtures throughout The Verges, offering everything from preserved roots to salvaged electronics.

But with slackened regulation comes risk.

A recent report from the Bureau of Civic Health estimates that as many as one in three eggs sold in public markets are spoiled, citing a rise in foodborne illness and consumer fraud.

“You have to be careful about what you buy or trade for,” said Gellen Kirsh, director of the Helsport Market in New Elid. “Eggs are a common tool for deception. What makes it work is the delay—people don’t realize they’ve been swindled until long after the seller’s gone.”

In the absence of formal oversight, many markets operate on loose collective agreements. Some communities have begun implementing their own trade guilds or color-coded stall markings to designate trusted vendors, though results vary.

Still, not everything is left to chance. In nearly every open-air market throughout the region, one rule is strictly enforced: all meat products must be sold on the bone. The regulation, first issued by municipal authorities in Lower Sael, is intended to prevent the sale of human meat—a concern that has grown increasingly plausible as supply chains fracture and desperation mounts.

Buyers are urged to inspect goods carefully, avoid closed packaging, and never trade for perishables that come unmarked or unlabeled.

How to Tell the Status of an Egg

Place the egg into a container of cold water. The water level should be about two times higher than the egg.

• If the egg floats, it’s bad.
• If the egg balances on end, it is probably around 3 weeks old.
• If it bobs slightly, it’s still good.
• If it rests on the bottom on its side, it is freshest.*

*Except for terotaur eggs. Terotaur eggs always sink to the bottom, as the fluid is denser than water. A terotaur egg shell will start to become pliable when the egg is bad.